Australian PM Abbott begins India visit, focuses on better education ties

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrived in India heading a 30-member strong business delegation. (Source: Express photo by Pradip Das)

Australian PM Tony Abbott along with officials of Mumbai University on Thursday. (Source: Express photo by Pradip Das)

Australia has signed up to help train Indian tradesman as the emerging economy seeks to skill its workforce and grow its manufacturing industry. (Source: Express photo by Pradip Das)

Speaking at the Mumbai University soon after his arrival, the Australian PM announced that India would join his New Colombo Plan from next year to build higher educational links between the two countries. (Source: Express photo by Pradip Das)

The agreement was signed between the National Skills Development Corporation of India and the Australian Department of Industry. (Source: Express photo by Pradip Das)

Abbott said the New Colombo Plan would build on the already strong education links between Australia and India. (Source: Express photo by Pradip Das)

The Australian PM said that the New Colombo Plan would complement the Indian government’s Connect to India initiative, which funds five Indian universities to each host at least 30 international students. (Source: Express photo by Pradip Das)